Indonesia Calls for International Cooperation to Face Terrorism

Antalya, Turkey (Antara Bali) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called for international cooperation in facing the threat of extremism and terrorism.

During the G-20 Working Dinner Session on Sunday night to discuss issues related to terrorism and the ongoing refugee crisis, President Jokowi remarked that extremism and terrorism happens worldwide.

"This is a challenge that needs to be followed up and addressed jointly through concrete actions," the president remarked.

He argued that the truly negative impact of the conflict that continues to occur throughout the world is the increase in irregular migration.

Jokowi said irregular migrant issues have been a fairly serious challenge, particularly for Turkey and European countries.

To resolve this problem, the Indonesian president noted that the root cause should first be resolved by ensuring balanced development, stop violence and oppression, eliminate discrimination and uphold democracy.

He further explained that Indonesia was implementing the combination of a "hard approach", which emphasizes law enforcement and security, as well as "soft approach", by using a cultural and religious approach in tackling extremism in Indonesia.

As the country with the largest Muslim population and the third largest democracy in the world, President Jokowi believes Indonesia is a laboratory to show that Islam, democracy, and diversity can go hand-in-hand.

Further, according to the president, harmonization is seen, as pluralism and tolerance is a daily reality in Indonesia.(WDY)